adjective

urbane

/ɜːrˈbeɪn/ · say it: er·BAYN

suave, sophisticated, and refined

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) elegant, refined, and sophisticated in manner or style

2. (adjective) characteristic of or relating to cities or city life

Examples

1. He had an urbane charm that made him popular at dinner parties.
2. The urbane landscape was filled with tall buildings and busy streets.

How to use urbane

Urbane describes a polished, sophisticated manner typically associated with city dwellers or well-traveled people. It carries positive connotations of elegance and cultural refinement, distinguishing itself from merely 'sophisticated' by emphasizing ease and social grace. The word can also refer to urban contexts, though this usage is less common in contemporary English.

Common phrases

urbane manner
urbane wit
urbane style
urbane charm
urbane sophistication

Synonyms

sophisticated · suave · refined · polished · cosmopolitan

Opposites

rustic · crude · unsophisticated

Word family

urbanity (noun) · urbanely (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse urbane with 'urban' and use it to mean simply 'relating to cities' rather than 'sophisticated in manner'; urbane specifically implies refined social qualities, not just city-dwelling.

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